Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Amazing sound quality
- Offers a very stable and precise stage in width and height
- Voices are more understandable and clearer
- Rhythmically, everything is spot on, with fast and tight drums, bass-kicks, and high-hats
- Provides flexibility with multiple outputs including i2S, AES, coaxial, and optical
Product Considerations
- Its dimensions might not be convenient for all setups
- The I2S connection uses a sacrificial USB input
- Some reviewers felt it looked boring and discreet
- One user felt that the sound was the same as digione
Takeaway: The Metrum Acoustics Ambre delivers amazing sound quality and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles seeking a purist Roon endpoint. If a high-quality streaming experience with focus and space is desired, the Ambre could be worth considering.
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Manufacturer details
- Power: 30 VA toroidal transformer, switchable 110/115VAC or 220/230VAC 50/60Hz
- AES/EBU Output: 110 Ohms XLR, max 192 kHz
- Coaxial Output: 75 Ohm, max 192 kHz
- Optical Output: Toslink, max 96 kHz
- Input: LAN (CAT5 or higher)
- Dimensions: 240 x 190 x 70 mm
- Weight: 2.5KG
The hardware platform in AMBRE enables you to stream high res music files from network attached storage or use online streaming services through the powerful ROON platform, outputting bit perfect audio direct to your DAC. At Metrum Acoustics we do not believe in taking prisoners, hence the choice to provide our clients with a platform with an open architecture.
Using our AMBRE, a customer could swap the internal micro SD card, and open up a whole new world with content from different providers or services such as Audirvana, Volumio, PiCorePlayer, Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, moOde or even being discovered in a network using UPnP. Add web radio and play it throughout your house, office, wherever you wish to enjoy music. As for warranty we are OK with you choosing freedom, however as long as the changes apply to the software only.
LAN (local area network) input: Connect an UTP cable with your local network. The AMBRE is made from factory as a Roon end point, contact customer service if you'd like another streaming service installed by us.
Coaxial Output: A 75 Ohm coaxial cable should be used to connect the AMBRE to o...
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Metrum products, including those under the Sonnet Digital Audio brand, are designed around the company's proprietary R2R ladder network DAC chips, known as Transient DAC modules, providing a unique approach to digital-to-analog conversion.
- The brand is known for its commitment to non-oversampling (NOS) designs, eschewing oversampling and filtering techniques to preserve the naturalness and musicality of audio signals.
- Metrum implements unique approaches to volume control that maintain signal integrity, utilizing techniques like changing the reference voltage of the DAC modules rather than traditional digital attenuation or analog potentiometers.
Select products
Metrum Onyx
- Positioning: A mid-range non-oversampling DAC designed for home sound systems.
- Description: Uses dual DACTWO chips per channel with parallel FPGA-driven R2R ladder networks for high linearity and clear channel separation. Compared to pricier models like the Pavane and Adagio, it offers solid performance for everyday listening at a moderate budget and suits setups where effective detail and balance are key.
Sonnet Morpheus MK-II
- Positioning: A versatile digital preamplifier DAC suited for integration with sensitive tube designs.
- Description: Adds a -10dB attenuator feature that allows output voltage adjustments, making it flexible for both DAC and preamp usage. Compared to the simpler Onyx and the more feature-rich flagship models, it targets buyers needing adaptable output control for specialized use cases.
Metrum Pavane
- Positioning: A flagship non-oversampling DAC aimed at delivering high-end, refined audio performance.
- Description: Incorporates advanced DAC 2 modules and proprietary forward correction techniques to produce a rich and natural sound with enhanced spatial cues. Compared to the mid-range Onyx and the integrated Adagio, it delivers top-tier sonic detail.
Metrum Adagio
- Positioning: A flagship DAC with integrated volume control that serves as a digital preamplifier for active systems.
- Description: Features dedicated DAC boards with larger, higher voltage transformers and separate toroidal power supplies to maintain low noise and precise volume regulation. In comparison to the Pavane and Onyx, it offers more functionality and controlled performance for users requiring integrated preamp capabilities.
Sonnet Pasithea
- Positioning: A premium DAC and preamplifier built with eight SDA-3 DAC modules for enhanced performance and versatility.
- Description: Delivers improved linearity, lower distortion, and a noise floor markedly lower than the Morpheus by using multiple DAC modules and flexible attenuation options. Compared to all other products in the lineup, it provides superior build quality and maximum sonic resolution in complex and demanding systems.
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Metrum
What if you spend more?
At Sonnet Digital Audio we are fanatic about building the best Digital to Analogue converters. Because of this dedication to perfection we can truly appreciate listening experiences like Roon. Roon looks at your music and finds photos, reviews, lyrics, and concert dates, and makes connections between artists, composers, performers, conductors, and producers. What you get is a searchable, surfable magazine about your music.
And as we believe a Digital to Analogue converter is the heart of your music setup, what else can we do than to build a ROON end point which will allow you to direct your digital music through our streamer in order to get the most sublime sound available!
The HERMES Digital Bridge is using high quality components and combines it with the user-friendly interface from Roon Labs. Recognized for its perfect timing there hardly is another streamer product available which adds so much detail to music. The HERMES out of the box comes as a ROON certified digital end point, however because of its architecture it is also capable of running different platforms such as DietPi, PiCorePlayer, moOde and Volumio. This allows for even more possibilities such as playing Qobuz or Logitech Media Server content, or even being discovered in a network using UPnP.
We do not believe in "taking prisoners", hence the choice to provide our clients with an open platform. Using our HERMES, a client could swap the SD card installed, and open up a whole new world with content from different providers, such as Qobuz. Add web radio and play it throughout your house, office, wherever you wish to enjoy music, installing Logitech Media Server might be the solution. As for warranty we are OK with you choosing freedom, however as long as the changes apply to the software.
The HERMES comes with a dedicated I2S output which is based on impedance matching. This approach makes it possible to use standard UTP cable over lengts of 30 meters without loss or interference. All outputs an audiophile can wish for like AES/EBU, Coax and Toslink are available. The hardware platform in HERMES enables you to stream high resolution music files from network attached storage, online streaming services through the powerful ROON platform or others, outputting bit perfect audio directly to your DAC.
HERMES is a plug and play device. LAN (local area network) input: Connect an UTP cable with your local network. The Hermes is made as a Roon end point and will only work in conjunction with a digital to analog converter (DAC). The Hermes expects a working Roon music server (Roon core) on the same local network.
Coaxial Output: A 75 Ohm coaxial cable can be used to connect the Hermes to digital audio equipment like a DAC. The coaxial output can handle sample rates of up to 192 kHz.
AES/EBU digital output: When using the AES/EBU digital output a special 110 Ohms XLR cable can be used to connect the Hermes to other digital audio equipment. The AES/EBU interface can handle sampling rates up to 192 kHz.
Optical output: A standard Toslink cable can be used to connect the Hermes to other digital audio equipment. The max. sampling rate of the Toslink interface is limited to 96kHz.
I2S output: The I2S connection is probably the most transparent way to connect digital audio equipment over short distances without intervention of all kind of interfaces like AES/EBU, SPDIF or Toslink. However still I2S is no international standard in terms of ruggedizing the format or the connectors used. The I2S standard is optimized as an interconnection between Sonnet products but will work in conjunction with other gear in most cases. If your Sonnet product has the I2S option installed you can use a simple UTP cable. All outputs of the HERMES are galvanically isolated.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Solidly made
- SD-card is easily accessible for swapping operating systems
- Offers many digital links: optical, coaxial, AES, and I2S
Product Considerations
- Does not have an on-board DAC
- Performance is equivalent to the Metrum Acoustics Ambre, which may be a consideration for users familiar with that product
- I2S output is specifically for Sonnet/Metrum products
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Metrum Acoustics Ambre: The Hermes has a different power supply, processing board, casing, and includes a display, with a more purposeful design for audio streaming
Takeaway: The Sonnet Audio Hermes is a well-built streamer with versatile digital connectivity and the flexibility to use different software packages. It is a great addition to a system, especially when paired with other Sonnet/Metrum products.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality with a luxurious aluminum body and sleek design
- Serves as a high-quality preamp, streamer, and DAC all in one device
- The DAC utilizes flagship AKM chips with 'Velvet Sound' technology, providing a warmer, richer, and more natural sound compared to the DMP-A6
- User-friendly interface with a responsive touchscreen and a well-designed control app
- Versatile connectivity options, including multiple digital and analog inputs/outputs, and support for various streaming services
Product Considerations
- The preamp section's performance is not on par with the digital streaming and DAC sections
- DSP functions are limited up to 192k sampling rate
- Spotify Connect has a lag in song switching at times
- The HDMI output is dedicated to I2S output, omitting the multichannel output capability of the DMP-A6
- Playlists cannot span music libraries; it is not possible to mix music from an internal SSD with tracks from TIDAL
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs DMP-A6: The DMP-A8 has better resolution, refinement, separation, and bass, sounding more 'analogue', while the A6 sounds brighter, lighter, and drier
- Vs HiFi Rose RS250a: The DMP-A8 sounds better if richness, warmth, and a big soundstage are valued, while the RS250a is preferred if analytical detail and an open top end are most important
- Vs Lumin U2 Mini: As a streamer only, the A8 is about the same as a Lumin U2 Mini but not quite up to the level of a Lumin U2 or HiFi Rose RS130
- Vs Geshelli Labs J2S AK4499 DAC: The sound was noticeably improved
- Vs RME ADI2 Pro: The DMP-A8 was preferable, as it sounded less flat and more three-dimensional in comparison
Takeaway: The DMP-A8 is a well-built and versatile streaming DAC that offers a rich and natural sound, along with a user-friendly interface and plenty of features. It is a great choice for audiophiles looking for an all-in-one solution to elevate their music listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Streaming audio via Roon or other services like Qobuz, Tidal, and Spotify offers millions of titles at the touch of a finger. Unfortunately, connecting your sensitive DAC to the noise generated by computers, routers, NAS, local networks, and modems via either WiFi or Ethernet cable is not a great-sounding solution to bringing high-performance audio into your listening environment. The PS Audio AirLens™ completely eliminates the problems of noise, jitter, and EMI influences through complete galvanic isolation and perfect reclocking of the digital audio signal. You’ve not yet heard how great streaming can sound until you experience audio through the AirLens.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Both an input stage and a galvanically isolated reclocking output stage ensures 100% isolation and noise-free delivery of perfect digital audio signals
- A DC-to-DC converter that is galvanically isolated allows the input and output stages to be completely isolated, allowing each to function as its entity electrically
- PS Audio uses its 'Digital Lens' technology to ensure the DAC gets the best audio data possible by storing data in a variable RAM buffer and sending it to the precision clocks within the AirLens
- The AirLens excels in performance with the I²s connection, delivering musical realism as well or better than any streamer under $5K
- The unit has a smaller frame component
- USB or Toslink inputs are absent
Product Considerations
- The PS Audio AirLens cannot stand toe-to-toe with the HiFi Rose RS-130 when it comes to design or features, as it is a basic box with no display screen
- There isn't a place to hook up a hard drive if one wants to stream stored music, since it is basically a streamer only
- The AirLens does not have a DAC
- It is not for the mainstream-streaming, non-audiophile consumer who uses Spotify and Apple Music, since it does not cater to features that audio enthusiasts will not use, such as AirPlay2, Bluetooth, or a proprietary music management application
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- HiFi Rose RS-130: The Air Lens does the 3D imaging thing better than the HiFi Rose, however, the HiFi Rose has a more meaty—punchy—refined analog kind of sound overall
- EverSolo DMP-A6: The PS Audio Air Lens far excelled above the A6 when it comes to sound quality, as the A6 sounded a little more digital in the treble area with grain and noise
- WiiM Pro Plus: Going from the WiiM Pro Plus streamer into the Denafrips DAC to the Air Lens, there is an increase in bass and energy in the holographic sound stage
- HiFi Rose RS250A, NAD C 700, Naim ND5 XS 2: The HiFi Rose RS250A, the NAD C 700, or even the Naim ND5 XS 2 all have Bluetooth and a DAC in their system, the AirLens does not
Takeaway: The PS Audio AirLens is a music streamer designed to eliminate digital noise and hash and bring an experience unlike most streamers on the market. It's perfect for audiophiles who want a simple, high-quality streamer that delivers exceptional sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Refined digital sound that is transparent and resolves fine details, offering a clear and expansive sound image
- New processing system with resampling flexibility, allowing upscaling or downscaling between 44.1kHz and 384kHz/DSD256
- User-friendly Lumin app for iOS that supports playback from network attached storage, Tidal, Qobuz, and Internet Radio
- Versatile connectivity with a comprehensive array of digital outputs
Product Considerations
- Ethernet connection only, foregoing internal Wi-Fi conversion
- Sound quality is highly dependent on the quality and matching of the DAC used
- Transparency reveals the quality of upstream components
- Felt/cloth feet might cause the unit to slip more easily than its predecessor
- May reveal flaws in poorly made recordings due to its high resolution
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- U2 Mini offers more resolution and air on the stage compared to the Lumin U1 Mini, represents a completely new generation of digital transports with obvious musicality
- Lumin U2 Mini had more resolution, a more clearly defined and expansive sound image, and a riper sound to each musical element, compared to Totaldac's internal streamer
- Competes closely in performance with the AURALiC Aries G2.1, especially concerning the amount of information and extension of the stage depth
Takeaway: The Lumin U2 Mini is a versatile streamer that delivers high-quality audio and is easy to integrate into existing audio systems. It offers great sound, a user-friendly app, and supports various streaming services, making it a worthy upgrade.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Open and transparent sound with precise placement and detail without being tiring
- Versatile streaming options through Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, DLNA/UPnP, and Roon Ready
- Good sound quality that enhances the listening experience compared to cheaper network players
- The Prisma platform receives long-term support with updates
- Compact size allows it to fit pretty much anywhere
Product Considerations
- Requires a separate DAC or an amplifier with a built-in DAC
- Basic control is limited to app use
- The included power supply is a cost-effective option that can be upgraded for improved performance
- Internet radio stream selection could be better
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Cambridge Audio MX-N10—the NP5 has more mature, defined, transparent, and natural sounds, while the MX-N10 delivers more punch to the sound
- Vs Bluesound Node—the NP5 offers better levels of clarity, soundstage, and definition, but the Bluesound Node is more feature-rich
- Vs WiiM Pro—the NP5 has a bigger, more open, and more dynamic soundstage
- Vs Naim ND5XS—the NP5 is more detailed, tighter defined, and more precise in terms of placement in the stereo image
- Vs Argon Audio Solo—the NP5 has more resolution and separation, and it projects vocals and soundstage a little bit more viscerally
Takeaway: The NP5 Prisma MKII is a versatile streamer that offers great sound for the price. It is a good choice for anyone wanting to add streaming to their existing setup and is worthwhile if seeking an upgrade in sound quality from basic streamers.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- High-quality build, feels substantial and well-made due to the aluminum casing and hefty weight
- Offers versatility by functioning as both a streamer and a DDC (digital-to-digital converter)
- Delivers very low jitter and noise
- Improves the sound quality, details, and soundstage compared to using a computer directly as a source
- Provides various connectivity options, including I2S, AES, SPDIF (BNC, Coax, Optical), and USB
Product Considerations
- Switching between DDC and streamer modes requires physically disconnecting the USB-B cable and power cycling the device, which is not ideal
- Initial setup and software flashing might be necessary for some users to ensure optimal performance
- Only connects via Ethernet, as it does not have Wi-Fi
- Some users have found that a power conditioner is necessary to get the best sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Red provides a wider and deeper soundstage, as well as a lower noise floor, compared to the Raspberry Pi
- Favored for its performance as a DDC and streamer combo, as well as for build quality, the Red is better than the iFi Zen Stream and iFi Neo Stream, the latter of which is considered a good all-in-one solution with a built-in DAC
- Sounds night and day better, the Metrum Amber sounds more distant, fuzzy, and not as crisp
Takeaway: The Hello Audio Red is a versatile device that can function as a streamer and DDC. It offers a clean and detailed sound, making it a worthwhile addition to a high-quality audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Unique tube-based output stage using 5703 subminiature tubes delivers analogue warmth
- Comprehensive streaming service support includes Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, TuneIn, and vTuner radio services
- Robust multiroom capabilities allow streaming different audio sources to multiple rooms simultaneously
- The app is responsive, controls well, and connects directly with Spotify output
- Sound staging seems to open up a little more—expansive sound staging width, which is very common of tube stage preamps or amplifiers
- Bluetooth connectivity requires optional dongles
Product Considerations
- The app structure is the same for the WiiM streamer app, suggesting shared software programming
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Topping DAC, the WTX-StreamTubes has a higher voltage output
Takeaway: The WTX-StreamTubes offers a unique way to experience digital music with the warmth of tubes and is easy to use with its responsive app and comprehensive streaming support. Its multiroom capabilities and tube sound make it a good option for those wanting to upgrade their streaming setup
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Designed with a focus on playback quality, using a custom computer platform instead of existing solutions
- Has a rich selection of digital outputs, including S/PDIF, AES/EBU, and I²S, and offers clock sync with Denafrips DACs
- Features a powerful quad-core ARM Cortex processor for fast music streaming
Product Considerations
- DLNA streaming is limited to a resolution of 16-bit/44kHz
- The interface and initial installation can be confusing without instructions
- Roon certification is ongoing and not yet completed
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Eversolo A6 Master Edition, the Arce offers a more analog sound with richer bass, while the Eversolo is more punchy, dynamic, and in-your-face
- Arce seemed equally musical and detailed as the Metrum Ambre, with a high dose of transparency
- Compared to the Meitner MA3 DAC (internal streamer), Arce sounded similar, losing only a little transparency and space after extremely careful listening
- Arce is slightly faster, more open, more detailed, and has a nicer exterior design than the AlloUSBridge
Takeaway: The Arce streamer is an excellent choice if one wants great sound, a nice look, and useful features, especially if Roon is already being used and there is a good DAC with I²S or AES/EBU. It does a great job streaming music and lets one enjoy the sounds hidden in the digital files.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Connect Plus hub supports various streaming standards, including AirPlay, Chromecast, Roon Ready, and Spotify Connect
- It sends music signals wirelessly to the speakers in uncompressed hi-res quality of 96 kHz and 24 bit resolution
- The Connect Plus hub can function as the central control for a multi-room system
- It can be controlled either by wireless remote control or via Piega's own app
- It offers a wide array of connectivity options, including HDMI (ARC), optical, coaxial, USB DAC, and analog RCA/3.5 mm minijack inputs
Product Considerations
- Although Connect Plus supports signals up to 24-bit/192 kHz, it only passes 96 kHz to the Piega Premium Wireless Gen2 speakers
- Android users will have to borrow an iPhone for room calibration
- Some settings on the back of the boxes and the Connect Plus are still required
- The circular volume control in the app now reacts a bit sluggishly
- The hub does not have a display
Takeaway: The Connect Plus is a versatile hub that can handle many streaming services and connections. It sends lossless, high-resolution audio to compatible speakers making it a great addition to a home entertainment system.
Video review
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